O'Dowd: School leaders are vital to educational achievement

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has reinforced the importance of strong leadership in delivering high educational attainment in schools.~ Tuesday, 19 June 2012

The Minister was speaking today as he presented certificates to graduates of the Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH) programme and to principals who completed the Professional Qualification for Serving Heads (PQSH).

Addressing attendees at the event in Belfast Model School for Girls, the Minister said: “Excellent leadership and good quality teaching are two of the most important factors in raising educational standards. It is crucial that our current and future leaders have the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes to effectively embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

“The qualifications achieved by the educationalists here today will help provide them with the tools and experience required to meet the many demands that face school leaders.”

The Minister continued: “There are now over 1,600 PQH graduates since the launch of the qualification back in 1999, and last year, over 70% of those appointed to headship for the first time, were graduates of the course – a measure of the high regard held for the qualification.

“I would like to commend all those involved in running both the PQH and PQSH programmes and congratulate the teachers and school leaders on achieving these valuable qualifications.”

Notes to editors:

The ceremony marked the graduation of 158 teachers from the Professional Qualification for Headship (NI) programme, as well as three current heads who completed the Professional Qualification for Serving Heads (PQSH).

The programme is delivered by the Regional Training Unit, part of the Boards’ Curriculum Advisory and Support Services (CASS).

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